Self-contained integrated welder/generator and compressor

ABSTRACT

An integrated welder, generator and compressor unit that includes a housing that at least partially contains components of a welder, generator and compressor. An engine, an electric current generator, and an air compressor are at least partially mounted in the housing. The electric current generator is at least partially connected to the engine to be at least partially driven thereby. A drive connector at least partially connects the air compressor to the engine and/or electric current generator. The drive connector includes a gear box that has at least one gear.

The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/390,436 filed Mar. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,989,509.

The present invention relates generally to engine driven weldingmachines, and more particularly to a welder/generator and compressorunit that can be transported to a site for welding and/or for operatingair or electric power tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Engine driven welding machines include a gas powered engine to run agenerator which supplies power to the welding electrode. Two such enginewelders are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,296,027 and 6,172,332, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. The generator can also beused to operate other electrical equipment (e.g., lights, pumps, etc.).On a construction site, welding equipment and other types of equipmentare commonly used. The engine driven welder is commonly used to provideelectrical power to electric welders, lights, power tools, etc. Airpowered tools are also commonly used at a construction site. Such toolsare typically powered by a separate air compressor.

While both of these units have satisfactorily provided power to varioustools at construction sites, the use of both an air compressor and anengine driven welder has some disadvantages. Although the engine welderand air compressor are portable, it is nevertheless difficult and timeconsuming to load and unload these two separate units, and then positionand setup the various components which are to be used with such units.In addition, the two separate units require a certain amount of space ina transport vehicle, thus can result in multiple vehicles having to beused to transport all the components associated with the two units.Furthermore, some air compressors are powered by electricity. When suchelectric compressors are used at a work site, the air compressor may beplugged into and powered by the generator of the engine welder, thusreducing the available power for use with other power tools.

In an effort to address the past problems associated with the use of aseparate engine welder and air compressor, a self contained integratedwelder/generator and compressor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,809,which is incorporated herein by reference. The '809 patent discloses aself-contained and fully integrated welder/generator and compressor unitthat is capable of being loaded onto and carried by a pickup truck. Thewelder/generator and compressor unit include a housing having a lengththat generally corresponds to the width of a pickup truck and having avertical height for receiving and containing components of thewelder/generator and compressor unit (e.g., compressor, generator,welder electronics, engine, fuel tank, etc.). An engine and anelectrical current generating alternator are mounted within the housingof the welder/generator and compressor unit. The electrical currentgenerating alternator is connected to the engine to be driven thereby,and the alternator includes an output drive shaft that drives a beltwhich in turn powers an air compressor. The housing includes an outputpanel that includes electrical outlets, welding lead receptacles, aircompressor outlets, etc.

Although the '809 patent addresses some of the disadvantages associatedwith a separate engine welder and air compressor, several problems stillremain. The housing of the welder/generator and compressor unit isspecifically designed to fit in the rear of a pickup truck. If thepickup truck cannot be positioned near a particular work site, thewelder/generator and compressor unit must be removed from the pickuptruck and carried to the particular work site. Furthermore, the '809patent discloses that the air compressor is connected to the shaft ofthe alternator by a belt which can require periodic maintenance. Inaddition, belt drives typically include a crankshaft pulley (s) and mayuse a magnetic clutch to control the belt drive. These components have atendency to quickly wear out, thereby requiring periodic maintenance.

In view of the state of the prior art, there remains a need for a unitthat can provide both electrical power and air pressure for use byvarious types of tools at a work site, and which unit can be easilytransported to various work site locations, and which unit is easier tooperate and maintain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an engine driven welder andcompressor unit that can be conveniently transported to a site forwelding and/or for operating air and/or electric power tools, and moreeasily operated and maintained by a user.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided aself-contained and fully integrated welder/generator and compressorunit. The integrated welder/generator and compressor unit is providedwith a housing to protect the internal components of the welder. Atleast partially protected by the housing is a fuel powered engine and anelectric generator. The fuel powered engine runs the electric generatorwhich in turn produces electricity for the arc welder. The electricgenerator is selected to produce electricity for various types ofwelders, such as TIG welders, plasma arc welders, MIG welders, STT orother waveform welders, and the like. Electric circuitry can be includedwithin the housing to control the amount of current, voltage, powerand/or the waveform of current directed to the electrode of the welder.A fuel tank is typically provided within the housing to supply fuel tothe fuel powered motor. The fuel tank can be positioned in various areaswithin the housing, but is generally positioned at or near the base ofthe housing or engine welder. A filler tube is typically connected to aportion of the fuel tank and extends upwardly from the fuel tank andthrough a portion of the housing to enable an operator to refill thefuel tank. The filler tube and fuel tank can be made from one ormultiple pieces of material. The filler tube and fuel tank are typicallymade of a durable material such as, but not limited to, plastic and/or ametal material. The engine welder typically includes a control panel tooperate various internal components of the welder and/or to provideconnectors to various components of the welder. A fixed or adjustableexhaust pipe for the fuel power engine can be included on the enginepowered welder. These and other standard components of an engine drivenwelder are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,172,332 and 6,296,027, whichare incorporated herein by reference. The engine welder is can betransported by a welding carriage; however, this is not required. Onenon-limiting welding carriage which can be used is disclosed inAssignee's U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/411,106, filed Oct. 4,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,909,068, which is incorporated herein byreference. The engine powered welder can also include a filler tube andfuel tank arrangement that includes a fuel gauge to monitor the fuellevel in the filler tube and/or fuel tank; however, this is notrequired. The fuel gauge, when used, enables an operator to monitor fuellevels within the filler tube and/or fuel tank to enable an operator toanticipate when the engine welder needs to be refueled and/or to notifyan operator during the refueling process of the fuel tank when the fueltank is filled, thereby avoiding spillage and waste of fuel. Theminimizing of spillage can reduce damage to the welder and/or componentsabout the welder, and the time and money required for clean-up of thespilled fuel. One non-limiting configuration of the filler tube and fueltank that can be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,172,332 and6,296,027, which are incorporated herein by reference. A grommet orinsert can also be used in the fueling cavity of the housing. Thegrommet or insert, when used, is designed to at least partially seal theregion about the fueling cavity to inhibit and/or prevent fluids fromentering the interior of the housing. One non-limiting configuration ofa grommet or insert that can be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,172,332; 6,296,027; and 6,619,337, which are incorporated herein byreference. In one embodiment of the invention, the air compressor thatis at least partially positioned in the housing can be connected to theengine (e.g. drive shaft, auxiliary shaft, etc.) and/or electricalalternator in the housing. Many types of air compressors can be used(e.g., piston or reciprocating compressors, rotary or screw compressors,centrifugal or axial compressors, etc.). The air compressor can have acompressed air outlet mounted to the housing. Unlike the connectiondisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,809, the air compressor is connected tothe drive shaft of the engine and/or electrical alternator by a gearbox. In one aspect of this embodiment, the gear box can have a singlegear ratio or multiple gear ratios to thereby control the desired speedof the compressor. The use of the gear box eliminates the need for abelt that must be periodically replaced and/or the tension beingperiodically adjusted. The use of the gear box also allows the speed ofthe compressor to be better controlled. The gear box can, in somedesigns, simplify and/or reduce the space requirements needed to connectthe compressor to the drive shaft of the engine and/or electricalalternator. The gear box, in effect, simplifies the assembly of theintegrated welder/generator and compressor unit by reducing the numberof components needed to connect the gear box between the air compressorand the engine and/or electric current generator. The use of the gearbox also can result in reduced cost due to the simpler design and fewerparts. The use of the gear box further results in less maintenance sincethe gear box is more durable than a belt and pulley system, especiallyone that utilizes one or more clutches (e.g. magnetic clutches, etc.).In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the aircompressor is connected to the engine by a gear box. In another and/oralternative embodiment of the invention, a compressed air accumulatortank can be at least partially mounted in the housing and be connectedto the compressed air output of the air compressor. When an accumulatortank is used, a compressed air outlet is typically mounted to thehousing to enable air powered equipment to be powered by the compressedair in the accumulator tank. In still another and/or alternativeembodiment of the invention, the accumulator tank and/or air compressorincludes one or more pressure monitors and/or pressure valves. The oneor more pressure monitors and/or pressure valves are designed to atleast partially monitor and/or control the air pressure of one or morecomponents. For instance, a pressure monitor and a pressure valve can beconnected to the accumulator tank to monitor and/or display the pressurein the accumulator tank. When the pressure approaches or exceeds amaximum pressure, the pressure monitor and/or a pressure valve can a)allow air or cause air to be released from the accumulator tank, and/orb) cause a slow down and/or disengagement of the air compressor via gearbox or other mechanism to reduce to stop the flow of compressed air intothe accumulator tank. As can be appreciated, a pressure monitor and apressure valve can be connected to other and/or additional components inthe housing to monitor the pressure, display the pressure, release thepressure and/or to control the pressure. In yet another and/oralternative embodiment of the invention, the housing can include one ormore storage compartments adapted to store various welding tools, airtools, and/or supplies within the housing. The arrangement of the one ormore storage compartments can be similar to the arrangement disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,596,972, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an enginewelder that can supply power to welding equipment and compressed air tovarious types of air tools.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an engine welderthat is more convenient and easier to operate.

Still another and/or alterative object of the present invention is toprovide an engine welder which is easier to set up and/or transport tovarious locations.

Yet another and/or alterative object of the present invention is toprovide an engine welder which is easy to assemble, easy to connect thewelding accessories of a welder to the housing, easy to connect the airtools to the housing, and/or easy to transport the welding accessoriesand/or air tools along with the engine welder to various locations.

Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention isto provide an engine welder that includes an air compressor.

A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is toprovide an engine welder that includes a drive for an air compressorthat is simple, reliable and durable.

Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is toprovide an engine welder that includes a pressure monitoring system thatmonitors and/or controls the pressure in one or more components of theengine welder.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and following thisdescription taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings which illustrate variousembodiments that the invention may take in physical form and certainparts and arrangements of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled engine welder in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view, shown with parts broken away, of apreferred gear box arrangement between the air compressor pump and thedrive shaft of the electric alternator contained within the enginewelder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of a cutaway portion of the gear boxof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5—5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of ahousing of an engine welder in accordance with the present invention;and,

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the gear box arrangement betweenthe air compressor pump and the drive shaft of the electric alternator.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and notfor the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1–5 illustrate oneembodiment of the invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-contained,portable and fully-integrated welder/generator and compressor unit 200in accordance with the present invention. Unit 200 includes a housing210 that has a top portion 212 and two side portions 214. The weldinghousing is designed to encase at least a portion of the internalcomponents of the engine welder. Positioned in the top portion 212 ofwelding housing 210 is an exhaust pipe opening 220. A motor accessopening 222 is located on one side of housing 210.

The front face 216 of housing 210 includes a vent 240 to allow air flowwithin the housing to thereby cool the internal components of thewelder/generator and compressor unit. The front face also includesvarious switches, knobs, indicator lights and meters and gauges 242 tomonitor and control the operation of the welder/generator and compressorunit. The front face also includes electrical connectors 244 to connecta welding gun and/or other electrical equipment to the welder/generatorand compressor unit. Typically the front face includes two 120 voltreceptacles 122, a 220 volt receptacle 124, and a plurality ofconventional welding sockets. As can be appreciated, the voltage ratingcan be other than 120 and/or 220 volts (e.g. 230V, 240V, 380V, 400V,etc.). As can be further appreciated, one or less volt receptacles canbe positioned on the front face and/or other locations on thewelder/generator and compressor unit. The front face and/or one or moreother faces of the welder/generator and compressor unit can also includeone or more features—e.g., an on/off key slot, a start button for theinternal combustion engine, one or more circuit breakers, a light,voltage and/or current meters, welding current settings, warningindicators, etc. A compressed air outlet 246 is accessible from the faceof housing 210 to supply compressed air to various types of air powertools (e.g., nail gun, paint gun, pressure washer, sand blaster, etc.).As can be appreciated, more than one compressed air outlet can beaccessible on the face of the housing. As can also be appreciated, oneor more compressed air outlet can be located on other regions of thehousing. The compressed air outlet can include a pressure gauge 248 tomonitor the pressure from the outlet and a valve 249 to control the flowof compressed air through the outlet; however, this is not required.Alternatively, the pressure gauge can be located on other regions on thehousing.

Contained within the housing 210 is an internal combustion engine 250(See FIG. 2) that is mounted at one end of the housing 210. The internalcombustion engine is typically provided with an air cleaner, a muffler256, and a battery for starting the engine. A fan 261 and a radiator 265having a radiator cap 263 for cooling the engine are also typicallyprovided in the housing. A fuel tank 255 supplies fuel to the engine.The fuel tank includes a cap 254 located on the top of the housing toenable refilling of the fuel tank. A fuel gauge (not shown) ispositioned on the housing to indicate the fuel level in the fuel tank.An electric current generator 260 is mounted within the housing 210. Theelectric current generator is connected to internal combustion engine250 by a motor shaft (not shown). The motor shaft is typically directlyconnected to electric current generator 260; however, a gear box and/orbelt drive, not shown, can be inserted therebetween to control and/orregulate the speed at which the electric current generator is operatedby internal combustion engine 250. In one particular, non-limitingarrangement, internal combustion engine 250 is a 500 or 700 amp watercooled and/or air cooled engine. The engine is designed to operate at1800 RPM when the current output is set at least at 500 amps. Theauxiliary power provided by the electric current generator is about 60hertz and about 1–20 kW so as to be able to run standard power tools andlights. As can be appreciated, other sized engines and/or alternatorscan be used. Engine 250 includes an auxiliary drive output shaft 252which is connected to a gear box 270 as illustrated in FIGS. 3–5. Aprimary drive 253 is typically connected to the fan. Gear box 270 can bea single ratio gear box or a multiple ratio gear box. Typically a singlegear ratio is used. The gear box includes several gears 272, whichconnect output shaft 252 to a compressor shaft 282 of rotary screwcompressor 280. When the gear box has multiple gear ratios, the gearingratio can be manually or automatically set. Compressor 280 is mountedwithin housing 210. An air accumulator tank 283 can be connected tocompressor 280; however, this is not required. When an air accumulatoris used, a pipe or hose 284 conveys air from compressor 280 to airaccumulator 283. A pipe or hose 285 conveys air from the air accumulatorto outlet 246. When an air accumulator is not used, pipe or hose 284conveys air from compressor 280 to outlet 246. Housing 210 can includeone or more compartments, not shown, that provide a storage area forwelding tools, nail guns, electric saws, lights, etc.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides aself-contained, portable and fully integrated unit 200 that can beeasily and conveniently transported to various work sites for use inwelding, providing auxiliary electric power, and/or compressed air. Inaddition, the housing of the internal combustion engine, electricalternator, and the air compressor results in a noise level reduction,thereby improving the work environment. Furthermore, the combined welderand air compressor in the housing facilitates in the quick and easyconnection and removal of welding equipment, electrical equipment and/orair tools on the housing.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7 which illustrate anotherembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate aself-contained, portable and fully-integrated welder/generator andcompressor unit 310. Welder/generator and compressor unit 310 includes ahousing 320 that includes a top portion 322 and two side portions 324.The welding housing is designed to encase at least a portion of theinternal components of the engine welder. Positioned in the top portion322 of welding housing 320 is an exhaust pipe opening 332 and a motoraccess opening 334. As can be appreciated, the motor access opening canbe positioned on other regions of the housing. An exhaust pipe 333 isconnected in pipe opening 332. The one side of housing 320 includesanother motor access opening 335.

Positioned in the top and side portion of the welding housing 320 is agrommet or insert 340. Grommet or insert 340 is positioned in thefueling cavity 336 of the welding housing 320. Fueling cavity 336 isformed by a cut-out section of the top section and side portion of thewelding housing. As shown in FIG. 6, grommet or insert 340 is insertedinto fueling cavity 336 and seals the fueling cavity to inhibit orprevent fluids from entering the interior of the welding housing. As canbe appreciated, the use of a grommet or insert can be eliminated fromthe housing. A fuel tank 390 is positioned and secured into the base ofthe engine welder. As can be appreciated, the fuel tank can bepositioned in other regions within the housing. Fuel tank 390 suppliesfuel to the fuel powered motor in the engine welder. Formed on the topportion of fuel tank 390 is a filler tube 400 which extends upwardlyfrom fuel tank 390 and to fueling cavity 336 in welding housing 320. Ascan be appreciated, a fueling cavity can be eliminated from the housing.Top portion 392 of filler tube 400 includes an opening 394 wherein anopening cap 396 is secured to the top of the opening by threads 398.Opening cap 396 is removed when fuel is to be added to fuel tank 390 andresealed onto opening 394 once fueling has been completed. A fuel gauge410 includes a level indicator 402 to provide fuel level information. Ascan be appreciated, the fuel gauge can be another type of fuel gauge(e.g., an electronic fuel gauge, etc.). During a fueling operation, anoperator is able to monitor the fuel level indicator on fuel gauge 410to determine when fuel tank 390 is filled.

Several mount holes 330 are positioned about the welding frame 342 toenable welding housing 320 to be secured to the frame of the enginewelder. Welding frame 342 includes several cross bars 343 which haveconnection openings 344 to provide structural support for the weldingframe, to provide a seat, and/or to provide a connection point for oneor more components in the welding housing (e.g. motor, generator, aircompressor, etc.). The welding frame also includes rear wheels 345 andfront pivot wheels 346 to enable the engine welder to be moved tovarious work sites. As can be appreciated, the housing does not requirewheels. When the housing does not have wheels, the housing can be movedby used of a welding carriage or the like. The welding housing includesa vent 347 to provide air flow into and/or out of the interior ofhousing 320. The rear of the welding frame includes a back panel 348that allows access to battery 356.

As stated above, fuel tank 390 provides fuel to an internal combustionengine 350 that is mounted at one end of the housing 320. The internalcombustion engine is typically provided with an air cleaner 352, amuffler 354, and a battery 356 for starting the engine. An electriccurrent generator 360 is mounted within the housing 320. The electriccurrent generator is connected to internal combustion engine 350 by aflywheel (not shown). The flywheel is typically directly connected toelectric current generator 360; however, a gear box and/or belt drive,not shown, can be inserted therebetween to control and/or regulate thespeed at which the electric current generator is operated by internalcombustion engine 350. Electric current generator 360 is connected to agear box 370 by shaft 362. Gear box 370 can be a single ratio gear boxor a multiple ratio gear box. The gear box includes one or more gears,not shown, which connects the electric current generator to a compressorshaft 382 of piston compressor 380. As can be appreciated, other typesof compressors can be used (e.g. rotary screw compressor, etc.). Whenthe gear box has multiple gear ratios, the gearing ratio can be manuallyor automatically set. Compressor 380 is mounted within housing 320. Anair accumulator tank 383 can also be mounted in the housing; however,this is not required. A hose 384 conveys air from compressor 380 to airaccumulator 383. Air accumulator 383 includes a top opening 385 that isconnectable to one end of hose 384. The air accumulator also includes avalve connector 386 that is connectable to one or more valves that arein turn connectable to air hoses used to power air powered equipment(e.g., nail gun, paint gun, pressure washer, sand blaster, etc.). Whenan air accumulator is not used, hose 384 conveys air from compressor 380to valve connector 386. A pressure release valve 387 can be connected tovalve connector 386 of air accumulator 383. The pressure release valvereleases pressure from the air accumulator when the pressure inside theair accumulator exceeds a maximum pressure. Housing 320 can include oneor more compartments, not shown, that provide a storage area for weldingtools, nail guns, electric saws, lights, etc.

One or more walls of housing 320 can include an air inlet and/or outletfor the components in the housing. The housing also includes an outputpanel 366 that includes a plurality of outlets for use by welders usingthe present invention. The output panel 366 includes two 120 voltreceptacles 422, a 220 volt receptacle 424, and a plurality ofconventional welding sockets 426, 428. As can be appreciated, thevoltage rating can be other than 120 and/or 220 volts (e.g. 230V, 240V,380V, 400V, etc.). As can be further appreciated, one or less voltreceptacles can be positioned on the front face and/or other locationson the welder/generator and compressor unit. The output panel can alsoinclude an on/off key slot, a start button for the internal combustionengine 320, one or more circuit breakers, a light, voltage and/orcurrent meters, welding current settings, warning indicators, etc. Asecond output panel 430 includes one or more air compression ports 432,434 that are adapted to connect one or more air hoses of air poweredequipment. The compressed air, from the air compression ports, can beused to operate one or more air tools (e.g., nail gun, paint gun,pressure washer, sand blaster, etc.). In one particular, non-limitingarrangement, the internal combustion engine is a 500 or 700 amp watercooled and/or air cooled engine. The engine is designed to operate at1800 RPM when the current output is set at least at 500 amps. Theauxiliary power provided by the electric current generator is about 60hertz and about 1–20 kW so as to be able to run standard power tools andlights. As can be appreciated, other sized engines and/or alternatorscan be used.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides aself-contained, portable and fully integrated unit 310 that can beeasily and conveniently transported to various work sites for use inwelding, providing auxiliary electric power, and/or compressed air. Inaddition, the housing of the internal combustion engine, electricalternator, and the air compressor results in a noise level reduction,thereby improving the work environment Furthermore, the combined welderand air compressor in the housing facilitates in the quick and easyconnection and removal of welding equipment, electrical equipment and/orair tools on the housing.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment and alternates thereof. It is believed that manymodifications, alterations to the embodiments disclosed readily suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art upon reading and understandingthe detailed description of the invention. It is intended to include allsuch modifications and alterations in so far as they come within thescope of the present invention.

1. A portable integrated welder, generator and compressor unitcomprising: a. a housing that at least partially contains components ofsaid welder, generator and compressor; b. an engine at least partiallymounted in said housing; c. an electric current generator at leastpartially mounted in said housing and connected or interconnected tosaid engine to be at least partially driven thereby; and, d. an aircompressor at least partially mounted in said housing, said aircompressor at least partially driven by said engine or said electriccurrent generator by use of a beltless drive connector, said beltlessdrive connector including a gear box having at least one gear.
 2. Theunit as defined in claim 1, including an air accumulator tank at leastpartially mounted in said housing, said air accumulator is fluidlyconnected to said air compressor.
 3. The unit as defined in claim 1,including a pressure monitor at least partially mounted on said housingto monitor air pressure generated by said air compressor.
 4. The unit asdefined in claim 2, including a pressure monitor at least partiallymounted on said housing to monitor air pressure generated by said aircompressor, contained in said air accumulator or combinations thereof.5. The unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing includes atleast one electrical outlet for use by welding equipment and at leastone air outlet for use by air powered tools.
 6. The unit as defined inclaim 1, wherein said gear box connects said air compressor to saidengine.
 7. The unit as defined in claim 1, wherein said gear boxconnects said air compressor to said electric current generator.
 8. Theunit as defined in claim 1, wherein said gear box includes a pluralityof gears, said gear box having a single gear ratio.
 9. The unit asdefined in claim 8, wherein said gear box includes a plurality of gearratios, said gear ratios are manually selectable.
 10. The unit asdefined in claim 8, wherein said gear box includes a plurality of gearratios, said gear ratios are automatically selectable.
 11. A method ofproviding compressed air from a portable integrated welder, generatorand compressor unit comprising: a. providing a housing that at leastpartially contains an engine at least partially mounted in said housing;b. providing an electric current generator that is at least partiallymounted in said housing and connected or interconnected to said engineto be at least partially driven thereby; and, c. providing an aircompressor at least partially mounted in said housing, said aircompressor at least partially driven by said engine or said electriccurrent generator by use of a beltless drive connector, said beltlessdrive connector including a gear box having at least one gear.
 12. Themethod as defined in claim 11, including the step of providing an airaccumulator tank that is at least partially mounted in said housing,said air accumulator is fluidly connected to said air compressor to atleast partially accumulate compressed air generated by said aircompressor.
 13. The method as defined in claim 11, including the step ofproviding a pressure monitor at least partially mounted on said housing,said pressure monitor at least partially monitoring air pressuregenerated by said air compressor.
 14. The method as defined in claim 12,including the step of providing a pressure monitor at least partiallymounted on said housing, said pressure monitor at least partiallymonitoring air pressure generated by said air compressor, contained insaid air accumulator, or combinations thereof.
 15. The method as definedin claim 11, wherein said gear box connects said air compressor to saidengine.
 16. The method as defined in claim 11, wherein said gear boxconnects said air compressor to said electric current generator.
 17. Themethod as defined in claim 11, wherein said gear box includes aplurality of gears, said gear box having a single gear ratio.
 18. Themethod as defined in claim 17, wherein said gear box includes aplurality of gear ratios, said gear ratios are manually selectable. 19.The method as defined in claim 17, wherein said gear box includes aplurality of gear ratios, said gear ratios are automatically selectable.20. The method as defined in claim 11, including the step of includingat least one electrical outlet on said housing for use by weldingequipment and at least one air outlet for use by air powered tools.